Transcription
Brain Chemistry
Stuff you probably already know If neurons receiveenough input, they“fire” Electrical impulsescontrol the firing ofneurons
How do neurotransmitters work?
Serotonin Affects appetite, sleep, learningElevates moodReduces aggressionMakes you resistant to depression andanxiety Makes people think more positively ofintimacy and romance Levels are lower during winter months
Serotonin Antidepressants (SSRIs) Health supplement 5-HTP Foods with tryptophan Turkey!, soy beans, tuna, salmon, rye, nuts, eggs,avocado, flax, olives, fish oil .
Endogenous Opioids Pain relief Includes endorphins Reduces stress Create a sense of well being, even euphoria Affects sexual behaviour, appetite, bodytemperature Involved in reward and addictive behaviour
Endogenous Opioids Strenuous exercise Sex OpiumCodeineMorphineHeroin
Dopamine Pleasurable reward: released during pleasurable situations causes you to seek out rewards Role in addiction Affects motivation, arousal, decision making Improves focus and attention Sexual gratification Increases sociability
Dopamine Food Sex Rock n Roll? Cocaine Methamphetamines Alcohol World of Warcraft and other addictivevideo games
Dopamine Having too much makes you crazy Schizophrenia has been linked to high levels ofdopamine Having too little makes you shake Parkinson’s Disease is due to Dopamine deficiency Taking anti-psychotics for long periods can causeDystonia - drug induced Parkinsonism Deficiency may cause ADHD and Restless LegsSyndrome
Gamma Amunobutyric Acid (GABA) Promotes relaxation Relieves anxiety Improves mood Can induce sleep Can release sex hormones Inhibitory neurotransmitter - sedative sluggish movements slurred speech
Gamma Amunobutyric Acid(GABA) Alcohol Valium
Oxytocin Actually a hormone Sometimes called the “love” chemical involved in pair bonding, trust, intimacy,attachment, maternal love, sex, empathy,generosity, social recognition, social memories Also promotes ethnocentric behaviour trust and empathy with in-group, but suspicion and rejection of outsiders Autistic people have less
Oxytocin Physical contact with another person hugs, even handshakes Eye contact Give birth Have sex stronger effect in women?
Cortisol Increases blood sugar Fuel to brain increases Heightened working memory temporarily Suppresses immune system reduces inflammation Muscle aches, insomnia, fatigue, weight gainin abdomen, anxiety, decreased libido decreased muscle mass and bone formation
Cortisol STRESS! Corticosteroids (Cortisol)
Adenosine Involved in many biological processes Adenosine Triphosphate ATP Inhibitory neurotransmitter relaxes breathingsuppresses neuron excitability and firing rateputs you to sleepsuppresses arousal
Adenosine caffeine! binds to same receptors as Adenosine and inhibitsits effects
Acetylcholine Most common neurotransmitter First to be discovered Basic transmission of nerve impulses: Activates muscles Increases neuron excitability Improves attention, reaction time
Acetylcholine Nicotine! There are actuallynicotinic receptorsfor ACh in your brain! Certain foods: liver, egg yolk, cheese, nuts,oatmeal, soybeans Nerve gas - causes neuromuscular paralysisby inhibiting effects of Acetylcholine
Conclusions Method through which all substances act onthe brain Neurotransmitters are poorly understood Notice how nearly all of them affect sleep, sex,mood, appetite ? Huge effects on behaviour Behaviour also affects neurotransmitterlevels
mokingnicotine, epinephrine, estrogen,progesteroneACETYLCHOLINE
Epinephrine (Adrenaline) Fight or flight response Increased heart rate Knee shaking Negative emotions & memories Enhances long-term memory formation
Epinephrine (Adrenaline) Danger! Fear
for ACh in your brain! Conclusions Method through which all substances act on the brain Neurotransmitters are poorly understood Notice how nearly all of them affect sleep, sex, mood, appetite ? Huge effects on
